In the top east corner of the Kimberley and less than a hundred kilometres from the Northern Territory border, friendly Kununurra is a reasonably new town, established through the introduction of the Ord River irrigation scheme in 1963. Although the community is in it'srelevant infancy, it has briskly developed into lively and moderncentre, with tourism becoming one of the major industries. Many travellers use the town to base explorations to the stunning attractionscontained by the eastern stretches of the Kimberley such as Purnululu(Bungle Bungle) National Park and Lake Argyle, though it's worthy of avisit on it's own merits. Meaning Big Water, Kununurra's lakeside location lends to an array of recreational and adventure activities, and it's surrounding tropical countryside is filled with much to do andsee.
Less than two kilometres from the town's centre, Mirima (Hidden Valley)National Park protects a magical valley of rugged cliffs with amazingmarkings reminiscent of the Bungle Bungle Range in the Purnululu National Park. The views over this strange landscape are amazing, and a number of lookout points are accessible via several short walking tracks whichpenetrate this compact and spectacular wilderness area. Brilliant panoramic views over the districts irrigated fields and the sandstoneformations of the Kimberley can also be soaked in from the summit of Kununurra's main landmark, Kelly's Knob.
An interesting diversion from the natural wonders of the district are the farms and working dairies in the fertile country around Kununurra. The irrigation of the Ord River has encouraged agriculture on a massivescale, and many properties are open to the public allowing visitors to sample the quality local produce. They've also become a popular destination for backpackers intending to top up their bank balance, with plenty of picking work available from May to September.
Directly south and just over seventy kilometres from Kununurra, Lake Argyle is the Southern Hemisphere's largest body of freshwater, containing enough h2o to fill 18 Sydney Harbours. Although it's size isimpressive, the lake's most striking feature is it's sheer beauty. The contrast of the azure blue water against the backdrop of deep orange ridges is breathtaking, creating some of the most picturesque scenery in all of Western Australia. Cruises and tours are the best way to appreciate this vast area's beauty, and the resident Lake Argyle Tourist Village offers a variety of enjoyable options.
Marking the end of the Great Northern Highway less than a hundredkilometres north-west of Kununurra, Wyndham is a tiny port town nestled between the Bastion Range and the expansive mud flats on the tidal waters of the Cambridge Gulf. Smack bang in the middle of crocodile country, this friendly town has two sites; the original and now historical port, and Wyndham East, the present residential and accommodation centre. Most visitors are lured here by the prospect offantastic, all-year round fishing, where many of Australia's most exotic species are abundant. If not hooked on fishing, the town's senseof history as well as numerous attractions in the surrounding wilderness make it well worth visiting.
A must on any trip Wyndham is the Five Rivers Lookout on top of Mount Bastion. Stunning 360 degree views allow you to follow the meandering paths of the King, Pentecost, Durack, Ord and Forrest River's through the wild landscape of the Kimberly, before they enter the glistening waters of the Cambridge Gulf. Back at sea level, Wyndham Crocodile Farm on Barytes Road have some awesome salties on display, as well as a small number of Komono Dragons. Further out of town, the Marlgu Billabong in Parry Lagoons Reserve, is a lovely wetlands area home to a perpetual population of many beautiful bird species.
Travelling down the Great Northern Highway a little over two hundredkilometres south of Wyndham, Turkey Creek is a small roadhousesettlement owned by the local Warnum Aboriginal People. Not only isit a welcome stop in this mostly uninhabited section of the Kimberley,but it serves as the gateway to the Purnululu National Park.
Previously known as the Bungle Bungles, Purnululu National Park is most likely the reason you've made it to this remote part of the country! If not, adjust your agenda, as this is undoubtedly one of Australia's most unique and exciting wilderness areas, which has simply has to be seen to be believed. Purnululu is a crowded maze of gigantic sandstone beehives towering up to 300 metres above the surrounding savannah landscape, etched with brilliant bands of black lichen and orange silica. The sheer spectacle and size of these curious domes is heightened when they come together to form geographical sensation of Catherderal Gorge. The only unfortunate slant on this fantastic and untouched national park is it's accessability. 
An eighty kilometrefour wheel drive track stemming south of Turkey Creek is the sole roadinto the park, and due to it's fragility during the Wet season, is onlyopen from November to April. This problem has seen the popularity ofscenic flights increase dramatically over the years, with the majorityof the light plane and helicopter trips operating out of Kununurra. Ifyou'd prefer to go in by land but don't have a four wheel drive, adventure tours begin precedings from Kununurra and Turkey Creek, and 4WD hire is available from the southern Kimberley town of Halls Creek
Halls Creek is an old gold rush town which now supports a vastcattle industry, and more recently an increasing flow of tourists. The crumbling remains of the once bustling mining town are fourteenkilometres outside Hall Creek's new centre, from which patient fossickers are still turning up bits of colour. Closer to town, a near vertical quartz vein protrudes impressively from a rock outcrop, to form the startling white and appropriately named China Wall.
Halls Creek also acts as a distant base to the near kilometre wide Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater. Over 50 metres deep, this impressive sitesacred to the Jaru Aboriginal people, is the second largest crater of it's kind in the world. Access is via a formed gravel road suitable forconvention vehicles during the Dry Season, and scenic flights are alsoavailable from Halls Creek.
